Congratulating and honoring the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Delta Zeta -Philadelphia Graduate Chapter for outstanding service during their Blue Revue Scholarship Gala and 70th Anniversary Celebration.

WHEREAS, It is fitting that the City of Philadelphia pause and pay tribute to those noteworthy organizations whose achievements in community service have rebounded to the benefit of the public good; and

WHEREAS, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Beta Delta Zeta is one such group of persons; a community conscious, action-oriented organization, serving the Philadelphia community since October 14, 1944; and

WHEREAS, Beta Delta Zeta chapter was established by thirteen progressive women including its sorority founder Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Alice Wiggins, Harriete Cason, Audrey Tripp James, Evelyn Brown, Mary Orr, Mattie Eggleston, Alice Roye, Verdenal Hurley, Grace Lowery, Helen M. Townsend, Evelyn Wimberly and Myrtle Glenn; and

WHEREAS, The chapter is celebrating its 70th Anniversary by uplifting its sorority ideal of scholarship at its Blue Revue Scholarship Gala whereby net proceeds benefit scholarship; and

WHEREAS, Over the past ten years Beta Delta Zeta has awarded more than $125,000 in scholarships to Philadelphia youth through the fund raising efforts and personal donations of its members; and

WHEREAS, The organization's targeted areas of service include education, health awareness, economic empowerment, social action, family wellness, cultural endeavors and global issues; and

WHEREAS, The Sorority promotes these endeavors through numerous activities, including: workshops, educational programs, mentoring, scholarships, donations and countless hours of service to charitable causes; now, therefore, be it

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby congratulate and honor the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Delta Zeta for their 70 years of extraordinary service, leadership and accomplishment, and extend a hearty welcome as this prestigious organization holds its "Blue Revue Scholarship Gala and 70th Anniversary Celebration" on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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